Tatler+
Oscar award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh and Citi’s ultra-high net-worth chosen few joined an experiential event that showcased the unique benefits of the exclusive Citi Ultima credit card
Available by invitation only, the Citi Ultima credit card offers its cardholders exceptional services and access to bespoke travel and lifestyle experiences that align with their personal interests and values.
On July 31 evening, Citi hosted the Citi Ultima Gala Dinner at the Rosewood Hong Kong hotel, designed to provide an ultimate experience to more than 250 guests—in line with the card’s positioning, “the chosen few”.
During the cocktail reception, with signature drinks in hand from Rosewood’s award-winning jazz bar Darkside, guests entered through the glowing arches of the Ultima walkway, captured fun moments at GlamBot, a 360-degree video booth, posed for photos inside the Ultimate Immersive Experience digital room, and browsed the on-site Ultimate Art Gallery—created in collaboration with renowned artist Raymond Fung. Best known for his contemporary Chinese ink works, Fung created Breathing 27, which adorns the special-edition Citi Ultima welcome pack and matching collectibles, gifted only to a chosen few.
As guests sat down to dinner, a thought-provoking panel focused on the themes of art and sustainability. Moderated by Jacqueline Tsang, regional head of content and editor-in-chief of Tatler Hong Kong, the discussion involved Fung, organic skincare brand Rare Skin Fuel founder Michelle Chen and 3812 Gallery founder Calvin Hui.
The highlight of the evening was an intimate panel discussion with Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. In a convergence of two powerhouses, the talk saw Angel Ng, head of Asia, Citi Global Wealth, discuss with Yeoh what it takes to be an “ultimate changemaker”. Both role models and leaders in their respective fields, they talked about their mutual passion for creating impact in the lives of others and working towards a bias-free world, where gender and race no longer create barriers to success.
Yeoh noted that “we can all make a difference. We are all like a grain of sand. All of us together will make the most beautiful beaches of the world. This is what we do. We all have the power in us”. She outlined how everyone has the ability to make a significant impact not only on other people, but on the planet, and rallied guests to continue to break the glass ceiling.
A long-time humanitarian, Yeoh’s contributions to progress extend far beyond her achievements on the silver screen. Known as an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, she has consistently used her platform as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme to champion women and girls facing unimaginable challenges.
Yeoh’s journey served as an inspiration for everyone in attendance, and a reminder that dreams are achievable, regardless of societal limitations. “We are definitely not there yet. This is just the beginning. And I think the beginning is really quite beautiful. But we must walk the talk. We have to do it together. I think it’s very clear, we are here for each other. It’s not you or me it’s not men or women. We need each other. So we will work together,” she said.
Senior Citi executives then joined Yeoh and Ng on stage for a photo to commemorate the moment, after which a short ballet performance followed.
Through the combination of intellectually inspiring conversations, a glamorous dinner and ultimate immersive experiences, the brand highlighted a multitude of ways in which Ultima allows its clients to live life to the fullest.